How does Lulu describe her mother at the beginning of the novel? What kind of role does Lulu play in her family structure? How has this impacted Lulu's childhood up to this point? Why does Lulu's mother tell her not to let their father into their apartment? Is this the kind of thing a mother should ask of her young daughter? What happens when Lulu does let her father into in the apartment? Is this ultimately Lulu's fault?

Why did Joey kill Celeste? Why did Joey attack Merry? What was Joey's intention from the moment he came into the apartment? How does Lulu feel that she is the only family member not injured that day? What does Joey say when Lulu asks for an explanation of the events of that night? What does Joey say when Merry asks why he stabbed her? Are these...